Implementing the Act

What does the Act state?
The new Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 seeks to give carers more choice and better opportunities to lead more fulfilling lives. It ensures that carers assessments must now consider if the individual wishes to undertake education, training or any leisure activity as well as if they wish to work. The Act also asks for co-operation between local authorities and education bodies. Carers needs may also be considered as part of other strategies, for example, welfare to work and life-long-learning.

An extra £60m for Carers’ Grants has been allocated to councils in 2005/6.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence, (SCIE) has produced a Practice Guide to the Carers (Equal Opportunies) Act 2004.

http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/practiceguides/carersguidence/index.asp

It is easy to use and translates what is known from research and policy into recommendations for practice and gives examples. The guide is designed to answer any questions on the implementation of the Act.

How can City & Guilds help?
We’ve developed Learning for Living – a unique programme of online learning for carers that will help you implement this Act in your local authority. The programme has been developed in association with a number of leading carer organisations, including Carers UK and an ESF project, ‘Action for Carers & Employment’.

What is Learning for Living?
Learning for Living is an online learning programme accompanied by a QCA accredited qualification: 'The Certificate in Personal Development & Learning for Unpaid Carers'. It’s designed to meet carers’ and recent former carers’ needs for training in personal development and confidence building.

The programme builds on the wealth of experience informal carers have gained, developing the knowledge and skills to help make informed choices about living and working; and to take up opportunities in further education and training, work and leisure.

Can I see Learning for Living in action?
Yes. Register your interest with us and we’ll send you an invitation to a web briefing where you can experience a demonstration of Learning for Living on your own desktop.